Alyson, 34, began reflecting on her longtime friendship with Miranda, a bond she thought was unbreakable. “Miranda asked me to be a bridesmaid, but the demands she placed on me were overwhelming. She wanted me to change my whole look—dress a certain way, dye my hair, even cover my tattoos. I tried to compromise, but then she removed me from the bridesmaid lineup entirely.”

Her voice grew heavy with emotion. “I still wanted to help, so I made the wedding favors and handled the dessert table as a gift. But when the wedding day came, Miranda told me my husband couldn’t attend because of costs. I tried to be understanding, but then she moved us to a separate room during the reception, and I was completely cut off. I spent the evening crying in a bathroom while my husband filmed the event.”

Alyson took a deep breath. “Afterward, Miranda apologized, but I realized I just couldn’t do it anymore. Our friendship was over. I couldn’t keep giving to someone who didn’t value me.”